Wellness

[Mom2Dogs]

Recently I posted about having a back issue...my chriopractor suggested an x ray because I was not improving....long story short, there seems to be an issue with my spine and he wants me to have an MRI.  That was discussed last Monday 8-1-16.  His office was to call me with the date and time of the MRI.....fast forward 1 week.  I have yet to hear back about the appointment.

If I decide to go around my chriopractor, can someone tell me who I should contact...another chriopractor or a doctor...and which type of doctor would I contact, an ortho doctor?

My current chriopractor (which I am not fond of his office practices) implied that I might need injections or possibly an out patient surgery based on the xray.

Any advice appreciated! 

[KingstonsMom]

Personally, I would make an appt.with an Orthopaedic Surgeon.

[151949]

I would call my PCP and ask for the MRI then if there is something found there he can send you to a spinal surgeon. More & more doctors are specializing in spinal surgery these days - some are neurosurgeons and some are ortho surgeons but they all seem to be equally qualified to do a great job for you. Good luck.

[nomless]

And don't be apprehensive about going to a spinal surgeon if it turns out that's what is needed. In my experience, such docs try many things before resorting to surgery.

Good luck to you.

[NicksmomESQ]

YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY SEE AN ORTHOPEDIST!! MY HUSBAND HAS A BACK ISSUE & is currently under his care.The doc prescribed physical therapy which he is going for now! An orthopedist can better assess your issues & advance you to the next level!!

[Winkk]

I agree with @151949.  With  my insurance I have to go to my primary care doctor for all referrals and scripts for xrays, mri, etc. 

After you see him/her then go from there.  I would not get any work done based on what your chiropractor said.  Nothing against him (I have gone to one for 5 years) but I wouldn't get an mri with just his say so.

[151949]

I don't know why people don't get the simple concept of ALWAYS starting with your PCP. That is what he is there for - to be the person who evaluates what you need next, and coordinates all your care.

[PamfromCT]

I have back issues myself, and I hope I can offer you some good advice.

Start with your PCP.  Once you have an MRI, your exact problem will be known.  Not all back pain leads to surgery.  It all depends on the source of your problem.  The answer might be physical therapy and lifestyle changes, as well as appropriate medication for pain.  I have arthritis in my low back.  Surgery can't help this.  But I manage with appropriate meds, and I wear "Spanx" that covers my lower back every day.  It really helps.

Please let everyone know how you are doing.  You are not alone.  

So many people have back problems.  Trust your PCP to direct your care.  Quit going to someone who is treating your back without knowing your exact problem.  Your PCP can order physical therapy with someone you can trust!

[151949]

Actually, a PCP should not be ordering PT or any other treatment - he should look at the MRI and then send you to an approprite specialist for treatment. If you see the spine doctor and he doesn't feel you need surgery he will know what you need instead - maybe injections - maybe PT - maybe both. 

[Mom2Dogs]

Thanks for the advice....currently I do not hve PCP!! The doctor I had for 30+ years retired and I cannot get into a doctor for months! 

For my wellness check this year I saw a Nurse Practioner at a different location, but still in my network.   Maybe I should call her for an appointment....but she does not have access to my x-ray, and I am sure the insurance is not going to pay for a 2nd xray. 

Fortunately I have had very little illness in my 60+years of life so navigating doctors and insurance is not familiar to me.